IDignity was created to help the disadvantaged in Central Florida overcome the difficulties of obtaining the personal identification that is crucial to enabling them to become self-sufficient. The need for such a program was recognized by members of five downtown churches who were unable to find a resource that provided such a service.

The acquiring of identification continues to become more difficult as stricter regulations are regularly being implemented for Homeland Security. Since May of 2008 IDignity has hosted monthly events at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission in downtown Orlando. Each event provides service to about 225 clients and often has to turn others away due to capacity and funding limitations. Clients are individually welcomed to the event and treated with respect and compassion throughout the process. In order to implement this program, it requires the assistance of nearly 100 dedicated volunteers and the professional staff of the various agencies.

Remember, Voter ID is the de rigeuer scare tactic of the GOP, appearing as a talking point before every election. It is important to note that:

The documents that IDignity provides are required to apply for employment or school, obtain access to most shelters, vote, seek help from many social service programs, open a bank account or cash a check, secure housing or overcome many other obstacles to becoming self-sufficient.

My last visit coincided with their event. The number of volunteers & State of Florida Agency representatives was very impressive. Then I saw the line of people hoping to get in.

I watched the IDignity volunteers do their work. There is a law desk with volunteer lawyers navigating those issues, gratis. There are Social Security people who will find your birth certificate from Whoknowswhere Iowa. They will get it emailed. They will help you fill out all the Florida forms to replace your ID.